Wakefield prepare to evacuate notice lifted Civil Defence Group Controller Roger Ball has lifted the conditional re-entry status for Wakefield. The decision was possible because of the work that had been done in fighting the fire and means people living and working in Wakefield are no longer subjec...

Wakefield engineering projects

Project map

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Project details

Wakefield water treatment plant and pipeline

What are we doing?

We are planning to build a new water treatment plant at Spring Grove. Water treated by the plant will be sourced from three shallow bores. These bores draw water from the Wai-iti River and resource consent has been obtained to draw 3,070 cubic metres per day.

Access to the water treatment plant site has been established and a power supply installed.

Water quality monitoring equipment has been installed so that more frequent and comprehensive water quality testing can be completed. The aim is to monitor water quality during different river conditions and seasons. Water quality during periods of flood - when the sediment load in the river is higher - is of particular interest.

NOTE: Water quality testing is on hold due to the drought.

Construction will be combined with the planned wastewater pipeline to run between Wakefield and Richmond. This will reduce costs, as both pipes can be installed along the same route at the same time.

Why are we doing it?

The existing supply is nearing capacity. With growth burgeoning in Wakefield, this new plant will future-proof supply for growth for at least the next 30 years. It will also provide emergency backup water supply for Brightwater.

Tasman District Council also has an ongoing programme to improve water treatment plants in the district to meet changes to the New Zealand Drinking Water Standards.

How will it affect me?

Any construction impact or interruption to water supplies will be advised closer to the time of commissioning the new plant.

About the project

Current status

Water quality monitoring, to inform the design, is ongoing - but is currently on hold due to the drought.Construction of the new plant is currently on hold due to budget constraints.

Start date

To be advised.

End date

To be advised.

Access

We are still working on the route of the the water pipe, but traffic flows and property access are being considered in our design process.

Contractors

Not yet appointed

Cost

Budget for this project is $7.2M

Maps, plans and designs

Route of pipeline from Wakefield water treatment plant site.

Route through St John's Church

Wakefield’s water reservoirs are located on a hill overlooking St John’s Church and the existing pipes feeding those reservoirs run through the church grounds. We plan to lay new water pipes along a different route through the church grounds. An archaeologist was engaged to consult with the St John’s Church Committee and prepare a plan for work in the cemetery, including an application to Heritage New Zealand.

With over 100 unmarked graves known to exist in the cemetery, ground penetrating radar was used to survey the proposed new pipe route. The system measures ground density, detecting any disturbance that would indicate the possible presence of unmarked graves. No graves were found, but excavation work for the new pipe will be monitored by an archaeologist, as there is a remote chance that burials could be uncovered during pipe laying. If any burials are found, the remains will be reinterred at another location in the cemetery.

Other considerations

Because the initial design for the water transmission pipe also came in over budget, we are working on an alternative route that covers easier terrain and reduces the number of river crossings. Consultation with landowners is underway to facilitate the new route. This is now being completed in conjunction with the wastewater pipeline project.